The Ag-Climate Update is a joint effort between our climate and extension specialists. Every month the update includes a brief summary of that month, agronomic impacts, relevant maps and graphs, 1-month temperature and precipitation outlooks, monthly extremes, and notable highlights.
July 2019 – Onset of dry weather
July brought a switch to drier-than-normal conditions across most Kansas. State-wide average precipitation for July was 2.5 inches, 67% of normal. Although there were pockets of wetter conditions, only the Southeast Division was above normal with an average of 4.67 inches, 115% of normal. State-wide average temperature for the month was roughly 79 degrees F, almost exactly normal. Temperature swings were great, ranging from 51 degrees F at Pratt 4W on July 23 to 108 degrees F at the Hill City Airport on the 17th.
The rapid switch to drier conditions, coupled with warmer temperatures, resulted in stress to spring-planted crops. Many wheat fields in the central and south-central portions of the state were drowned out due to excessive moisture causing extremely variable yields and test weight. Corn, soybeans, and sorghum continue to lag behind normal progress, due mainly to late planting.
View the entire July 2019 Ag-Climate Summary at http://climate.k-state.edu/ag/updates/